What do semaphore flags and a children’s book have in common?

Well, if you’re reading The Peace Train by Yusuf/Cat Stevens, then quite a bit actually!

The illustrations Peter H. Reynolds created for this classic 1970’s anthem are full imagery that reminds us of the age of the flower-child including flowers, bell bottoms, groovy colors and, of course, the peace sign.

The peace sign was designed by British artist Gerald Holtom in 1958. Holtom used the flag semaphore signals for the letters ‘n’ and ‘d’ as the basis of his design. The ‘n’ stands for ‘nuclear,’ the ‘d’ stands for ‘disarmament.’ Given the amount of conflict around the globe during the following decades, you can imagine how this symbol may have become popular.

But what are the flag signals for? Who uses them? And what is the word “semaphore?”

A semaphore (SEM-uh-for) is defined as system of visual signaling using flags or lights. The use of flags as a means of communication proved helpful for the US Navy during WWII when radio and telegraph communications were constantly being intercepted by enemy vessels. To maintain “radio silence,” a ship’s crew would often communicate messages to nearby allies using this system of signals. Yellow and red flags were typically used while at sea while blue and white flags were used to communicate over land. The colors have no meaning; their only purpose is to make the signals easier to read.

You can easily create your own semaphore flags using materials you probably already have lying around the house!

For a set of two flags you will need…

• Red (2), Yellow (2) and White (1) paper or cardstock

• Ruler or straight-edge

• Pencil

• Scissors

• Glue

• Craft sticks (2)

1. Using the straight-edge, draw a line from two opposite corners of each of your red and yellow pieces of paper.

2. Cut along the line to turn your pieces of paper into triangles.

3. Put glue all over one side of the white piece of paper.

4. Line up the edges of a yellow triangle with the white piece of paper and place it onto the glue.

5. Cover the other half of the white paper with a red triangle.

6. Flip over the white piece of paper and repeat step 4, making sure that your yellow triangle is in the same place as the ones you glued down first.

7. At the remaining white right angle, make sure there is plenty of glue to hold a craft stick and place it down.

8. Place a bit of glue on the craft stick.

9. Cover the last of the white piece of paper and the craft stick with the remaining red triangle.

10. Let dry!

Study the semaphore alphabet and then have your learner give each of these a try!

• What is your age?

• Spell your name!

• Say hello!

• Spell ‘peace.’

• “Sing” the ABCs!